Cancelled meeting raises Mandela health questions

Nelson Mandela today cancelled a meeting with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, raising questions about the state of the former South African president’s health.

South African newspapers and broadcasters have speculated about Mandela’s health since the 85-year-old failed to appear at the launch of his ruling African National Congress’ election campaign on January 11.

Mandela’s spokeswoman, Zelda la Grange, did not immediately return calls seeking comment today.

But an official at the Nelson Mandela Foundation said he was in good health and would not be back in time from a holiday in Mauritius.

A spokesman for the German Embassy in Pretoria, Clemens Kroll, said Mandela would not be present when Schroeder visits his Johannesburg foundation on Thursday.

“The decision was made by Mr. Mandela, and the embassy does not feel entitled to comment on the decision,” Kroll said.

Mandela appeared in good spirits when he arrived on Mauritius, accompanied by his wife, Graca Machel, on Friday. Looking relaxed and smiling, they boarded a helicopter for a luxury hotel.

Mandela emerged from 27 years in apartheid prisons to become South Africa’s first democratically elected president in 1994. Since he retired in 1999, he has championed the rights of children and Aids sufferers.